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Mike Hancock's office told accuser allegations were 'not fair'

The Liberal Democrat Party committee examined the claims and decided not to take them further. Photo: ITV News

ITV News has seen an email in which Mike Hancock's office responded to his accuser admitting that the MP "may be a flirt and touchy feely" but it adds that the accusations are "not fair."

In 2011, the alleged victim contacted Mike Hancock's office with her concerns and also wrote to Nick Clegg, Theresa May and Buckingham Palace.

The Liberal Democrat Party committee acknowledged her complaint in 2012. Credit: ITV News

After acknowledging her complaint, a Liberal Democrat Party committee examined the claims in 2012 after which it was decided the matter would not be investigated any further. It looked at the police investigation (which was dropped) as well as the alleged victim's complaint.

The Home Office also responded to the accuser's complaint. Credit: ITV News

The party has told us that Nick Clegg was not made aware of that process.

The MP for Portsmouth was yesterday suspended from the Liberal Democrats over claims of sexual misconduct.

Yesterday, a leaked report written by a QC for Portsmouth City Council - where the MP also sits as a councillor - was leaked.

The Liberal Democrat leadership claimed it was the first time they had seen that report - and after reading it they suspended Mike Hancock from the party.